Memorial named one of the '7 wonders of Australia'

21 November 2018 by Claire Hunter

The Australian War Memorial has been named as one of the “7 Wonders of Australia”.

The Memorial was voted in the top seven alongside Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, the Horizontal Falls in Western Australia, Uluru in the Northern Territory, and the Sydney Opera House in New South Wales in an online poll run by travel giant Experience Oz.

Nearly 70,000 votes were lodged over a three-month period after Australians were asked to choose from a shortlist of 50 iconic sites around the country and vote for what they believe are the greatest landmarks in Australia.

Memorial Director Dr Brendan Nelson welcomed the news.

“This ranking is a tribute to the engaging, moving and educational way in which the Australian War Memorial tells the stories of Australians who have given their all for their nation,” Dr Nelson said.

“The unique combination of breathtaking exhibits and a shrine which embodies the sanctity of sacrifice, all within a stunning Byzantine inspired art-deco building, makes the Australian War Memorial a must see for anyone wanting to understand Australia and the character of its people.”

The Memorial’s Assistant Director Public Programs Anne Bennie agreed.

“It is very fitting that the Australian War Memorial be considered worthy as one of the 7 wonders,” she said.

“You need only listen to the young and not so young, who share the experience of their visit to the Memorial to understand the impact on them personally and the wonder and awe they express as a result. “

Experience Oz Marketing Manager Matt Hobbs said the three-month campaign was designed to encourage domestic tourism and showcase Australia’s wonders to the rest of the world.

“We've spent the last several months touring the country and visiting some of Australia's most incredible sites,” he said.

“To receive nearly 70,000 votes was a wonderful sign of how passionate Aussies are about our country and its buildings and landscapes. We believe the campaign has started important discussions around experiencing Australia’s backyard and not taking for granted the beauty this country has to offer.

“It's also been a humbling reminder of just how lucky we are to reside in such a special and diverse country for travel.”